Organization of the human CD3 locus on chromosome 11

IL-20 is produced by CD3γδ T cells and induced in the mucosal tissues of grass carp during infection with Aeromonas hydrophila

Interleukin (IL) 20 is a multifunctional cytokine and plays a vital role in regulating autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and immune responses. IL-20 homologs have been described in fish. However, due to the lack of antibodies, cellular sources and immunological functions of fish IL-20 in response to infections have not been fully characterized. In this study, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) was generated against the recombinant grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) IL-20 protein and characterized by immunoblotting, immunofluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. It was shown that the IL-20 mAb specifically recognized recombinant IL-20 proteins expressed in the E. coli cells and HEK293 cells. Using confocal microscopy, the IL-20+ cells were identified in the head kidney, gills and intestine of grass carp, and induced after infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Moreover, the IL-20 protein was found to be secreted mainly by CD3γδ T cells which were located predominantly in the gill filaments and intestinal mucosa. Taken together, our results suggest that IL-20 producing T cells are required for the mucosal immunity against bacterial infection in fish.

Characterization of CD3γ/δ+ cells in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

CD3 is an essential component of the TCR-CD3 complex which plays a key role in adaptive immunity. Non-mammalian CD3 complex consists of CD3γ/δ, CD3ε and CD3ζ subunits. In this study, homologues of CD3γ/δ and CD3ε (termed CiCD3γ/δ and CiCD3ε) have been identified in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Like their counterparts from other vertebrates, the CiCD3γ/δ and CiCD3ε are clustered in the same locus in the genome and encode proteins which are structurally conserved, comprising a signal peptide, an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail containing two ITAM motifs. Sequence analyses identified two novel conserved motifs in the cytoplasmic tail of CiCD3γ/δ and CiCD3ε, one is composed of an arginine and lysine motif (RK or RR) at the C terminus of CiCD3γ/δ and a proline rich domain (PxxPxP/Q) located at the N terminus of ITAM motifs of CiCD3ε. Both genes were highly expressed at the mRNA level in the spleen and gills of healthy fish and could be modulated by infection of Flavobacterium columnare and grass carp reovirus. A monoclonal antibody against the CiCD3γ/δ (GC38T) was produced and showed good reactivity with the native molecule in Western blotting analysis and flow cytometry. The CiCD3γ/δ⁺ cells were analysed in the primary leucocytes, accounting for 5.5% of lymphocytes isolated from spleen, 4.5% from head kidney and 2.8% from peripheral blood. The CiCD3γ/δ⁺ cells were localized in the gills and head kidney by fluorescent confocal microscopy.

Cell Biology of T Cell Receptor Expression and Regulation

T cell receptors (TCRs) are protein complexes formed by six different polypeptides. In most T cells, TCRs are composed of αβ subunits displaying immunoglobulin-like variable domains that recognize peptide antigens associated with major histocompatibility complex molecules expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. TCRαβ subunits are associated with the CD3 complex formed by the γ, δ, ε, and ζ subunits, which are invariable and ensure signal transduction. Here, we review how the expression and function of TCR complexes are orchestrated by several fine-tuned cellular processes that encompass (a) synthesis of the subunits and their correct assembly and expression at the plasma membrane as a single functional complex, (b) TCR membrane localization and dynamics at the plasma membrane and in endosomal compartments, (c) TCR signal transduction leading to T cell activation, and (d) TCR degradation. These processes balance each other to ensure efficient T cell responses to a variety of antigenic stimuli while preventing autoimmunity.

Evidence of positive selection on the Atlantic salmon CD3γδ gene

Atlantic salmon are typically anadromous, spending the majority of their lifetime in oceans and returning to fresh water to breed. This diversity of environments likely results in strong selective forces shaping their genome. In this paper, we present the first genomics approach to detect positive selection operating on the Salmo salar (salmon) lineage, an important aquaculture species. We identify a panel of candidate genes that may have been subject to adaptive evolution in this species. In particular, we identify a robust signature of positive selection operating on the salmon CD3gammadelta gene, which encodes one of the protein chains essential for formation of the T-cell receptor complex and for T-cell activation. Furthermore, we identified the particular codon sites that have been subject to positive selection in fish and highlight two sites flanking an important N-glycosylation site in this molecule.

Identification of three NFAT binding motifs in the 5'-upstream region of the human CD3gamma gene that differentially bind NFATc1, NFATc2, and NF-kappa B p50

Human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) infection of CD4(+) T cells progressively abrogates T cell receptor (TCR).CD3 function and surface expression by specifically interfering with CD3gamma gene transcription. Our data show that the loss of CD3gamma transcripts begins very early after infection and accumulates to a >90% deficiency before a significant effect on surface receptor density is apparent. Blocking TCR.CD3-directed NFAT activation with cyclosporin A provokes a partial re-expression of CD3gamma gene transcripts and surface complexes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. We have identified three NFAT consensus sequences (5'-GGAAA-3') in the 5'-upstream region of the human CD3gamma gene at: -124 to -120 (NFAT(gamma1)), -384 to -380 (NFAT(gamma2)), and +450 to +454 (NFAT(gamma3)) from the first transcription initiation site. Using electrophoretic mobility shift and supershift assays, we show that NFATc2 alone binds to the NFAT(gamma2) motif; however, complexes containing either NFATc2 or NFATc1 plus NF-kappaB p50 bind to the NFAT(gamma1) and NFAT(gamma3) sites. We further demonstrate that NFATc1 and NF-kappaB p50 bind in the same protein.DNA complex and that a fourth Ala added to the core sequence (5'-GGAAAA-3') in NFAT(gamma1), and NFAT(gamma3) is critical for their binding. Finally, we have shown that an increase in the binding of nuclear NFATc2, NFATc1, and NF-kappaB p50 to these three motifs is correlated with a progressive loss of CD3gamma transcripts after HIV-1 infection.

Mechanisms contributing to T cell receptor signaling and assembly revealed by the solution structure of an ectodomain fragment of the CD3 epsilon gamma heterodimer

The T cell receptor (TCR) consists of genetically diverse disulfide-linked alpha and beta chains in noncovalent association with the invariant CD3 subunits. CD3 epsilon and CD3 gamma are integral components of both the TCR and pre-TCR. Here, we present the solution structure of a heterodimeric CD3 epsilon gamma ectodomain complex. A unique side-to-side hydrophobic interface between the two C2-set immunoglobulin-like domains and parallel pairing of their respective C-terminal beta strands are revealed. Mutational analysis confirms the importance of the distinctive linkage as well as the membrane proximal stalk motif (RxCxxCxE) for domain-domain association. These biochemical and structural analyses offer insights into the modular pairwise association of CD3 invariant chains. More importantly, the findings suggest how the rigidified CD3 elements participate in TCR-based signal transduction.

Heterodimeric CD3epsilongamma extracellular domain fragments: production, purification and structural analysis

The CD3 polypeptides (epsilon, gamma, and delta) are non-covalently associated signaling subunits of the T cell receptor which form non-disulfide linked epsilongamma and epsilondelta heterodimers. With the goal of investigating their structure, Escherichia coli expression was utilized to produce CD3 ectodomain fragments including the murine CD3epsilon subunit N-terminal Ig-like extracellular domain alone or as a single chain construct with that of CD3gamma. The latter links the CD3gamma segment to the C terminus of the CD3epsilon segment via a 26 amino acid peptide (scCD3epsilongamma26). Although CD3epsilon could be produced at high yield when directed to inclusion bodies, the refolded monomeric CD3epsilon was not native as judged by monoclonal antibody binding using surface plasmon resonance and was largely unstructured by (15)N-(1)H two-dimensional NMR analysis. In contrast, scCD3epsilongamma26 could be refolded readily into a native state as shown by CD, NMR and mAb reactivity. The linker length between CD3epsilon and CD3gamma is critical since scCD3epsilongamma16 containing a 16 residue connector failed to generate a stable heterodimer. Collectively, the results demonstrate that: (i) soluble heterodimeric fragments of CD3 can be produced; (ii) cotranslation of CD3 chains insures proper folding even in the absence of the conserved ectodomain stalk region (CxxCxE); and (iii) CD3epsilon has a more stable tertiary protein fold than CD3gamma.

Evidence for a stepwise evolution of the CD3 family

The three CD3 components of the TCR complex are encoded as clustered genes in mammals. The evolution of such a multimeric complex is likely to occur stepwise. The chicken CD3 cluster was entirely sequenced, and, in contrast to mammals, only two chicken CD3 genes were found to be physically linked to the unrelated genes HZW10 and epithelial V-like Ag flanking both sides of the CD3 cluster. Biochemical analyses of CD3 immunoprecipitates confirmed the presence of only two CD3 proteins and revealed an essential role for CD3gammadelta glycosylation during assembly. Functional analyses indicated that the chicken TCR/CD3 complex was efficiently down-regulated by phorbol ester treatment, demonstrating the integrity of a CD3gamma-like cytoplasmic internalization motif. These data argue for a stepwise CD3 evolution, with major differences in the TCR/CD3 structure between mammalian and nonmammalian vertebrates setting a basis for the understanding of the CD3 phylogeny and proving the ancestral nature of the CD3gammadelta protein.

Modulation of CD3-gamma gene expression after HIV type 1 infection of the WE17/10 T cell line is progressive and occurs in concert with decreased production of viral p24 antigen

HIV-1 infection of WE17/10, an IL-2-dependent CD4+ human T cell line, abrogates T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 expression due to a transcription level defect in the CD3-gamma chain gene. Kinetic examination of surface receptor density reveals that these complexes are progressively reduced early after HIV-1 infection as the cells transition from TCR/CD3hi-->TCR/CD3lo-->TCR/CD3-. The passage from TCR/CD3hi reversible TCR/CD3lo is characterized by a steady decrease in receptor density from 100 to 50% of control values with similar kinetic for all of the viral variants tested. This first phase in TCR/CD3 downmodulation was found to occur in concert with a decrease in viral p24 antigen production. The switch from TCR/CD3- is distinguished by the conversion of individual cells to the receptor negative phenotype. Although broad kinetic differences in this second phase were observed between viral variants, its onset was consistently accompanied by a further reduction in virus production. In some of the HIV-1-infected WE17/10 cell lines, surface receptor expression was spontaneously upregulated during the second phase of infection, reversing the progression from TCR/CD3(-)-->TCR/CD3lo-->TCR/CD3hi. Thus, in HIV-1-infected WE17/10 cells, changes in CD3-gamma gene transcription are accompanied by altered viral p24 antigen production and the resulting modulation of surface receptor expression can be summarized by the formula: TCR/CD3hi reversible TCR/CD3lo reversible TCR/CD3-.

Molecular cloning and analysis of chromosome band 11q23 involved in leukaemia-associated translocations

Three overlapping yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) spanning a 780 kb region of DNA around the CD3 locus on chromosome 11 have been isolated and characterised. The individual cloned regions have been mapped by in situ hybridisation to chromosome band 11q23, and a restriction enzyme map of this region has been constructed. The positions of these clones in relation to a series of leukaemia-associated chromosomal translocations has also been determined. It was concluded that, although two clones lay entirely proximal to the breakpoints examined, the third clone (13HH4) encompassed the breakpoints for the translocations t(4;11), t(6;11), and t(9;11). The t(9;11) was observed in an acute myeloid leukaemia in a patient previously treated for an unrelated malignancy. It would thus appear that the breakpoints at chromosome band 11q23 occurring in therapy-related leukaemias are in the same region as those found in adult and childhood acute leukaemias and may result from a common underlying mechanism.

The 11q23 breakpoint in acute leukemia with t(11;19)(q23;p13) is distal to those of t(4;11), t(6;11) and t(9;11)

Thirteen cosmid probes were mapped on the long arm of chromosome 11 between 11q22 and 11q24 by nonradioactive in situ hybridization. Starting with these localizations and those of other probes mapped to 11q23, four acute leukemias with translocations involving 11q23 were studied with the same method. The translocation breakpoints of the t(4;11)(q21;q23), t(6;11)(q27;q23), t(9;11)(p21-p22;q23), and t(11;19)(q23;p13) were confirmed to be distal to CD3D. The probe cC111-304 was proximal to the t(11;19) breakpoint while distal to the breakpoints of the other rearrangements. In view of the diversity of chromosomal abnormalities involving band 11q23, our finding extends the molecular heterogeneity of the breakpoint localization in leukemias with rearrangements involving 11q23.

CD3.TCR1, A Human CD3 epitope expressed on viable γδ lymphocytes exclusively

T lymphocytes express either the alpha/beta or the gamma/delta receptor (TCR) in a mutually exclusive fashion. Both structures are associated on the cell membrane with the CD3 proteins which are thought to transduce signals resulting from antigen recognition. The CD3 complex is present in both alpha/beta and gamma/delta cells and includes at least five proteins (designated gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta and eta). We have developed here a novel mAb, anti-CD3.TCR1, which immunoprecipitates the CD3 molecules from both alpha/beta and gamma/delta cells lysates following solubilization with Triton X-100. While the SDS-PAGE migration profile of the material recognized by either anti-CD3.TCR1 or anti-OKT3 are superimposable in both cell types, this mAb recognizes viable untreated gamma/delta T lymphocytes exclusively. These findings further support the view that molecular interactions within the TCR/CD3 protein complex are distinct in the two T lymphocyte populations.

The CD3-gamma and CD3-delta subunits of the T cell antigen receptor can be expressed within distinct functional TCR/CD3 complexes

The T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) consists of two glycoproteins containing variable regions (TCR-alpha/beta or TCR-gamma/delta) which are expressed on the cell surface in association with at least four invariant proteins (CD3-gamma, -delta, -epsilon and -zeta). CD3-gamma and CD3-delta chains are highly homologous, especially in the cytoplasmic domain. The similarity observed in their genomic organization and their proximity in the chromosome indicate that both genes arose from duplication of a single gene. Here, we provide several lines of evidence which indicate that in human and murine T cells which expressed both the CD3-gamma and CD3-delta chains on their surface, the TCR/CD3 complex consisted of a mixture of alpha beta gamma epsilon zeta and alpha beta delta epsilon zeta complexes rather than a single alpha beta gamma delta epsilon zeta complex. First, a CD3-gamma specific antibody failed to co-immunoprecipitate CD3-delta and conversely, several CD3-delta specific antibodies did not coprecipitate CD3-gamma. Secondly, analysis of a panel of human and murine T cell lines demonstrated that CD3-gamma and CD3-delta were expressed at highly variable ratios on their surface. This suggested that these chains were not expressed as a single complex. Thirdly, CD3-gamma and CD3-delta competed for binding to CD3-epsilon in transfected COS cells, suggesting that CD3-gamma and CD3-delta formed mutually exclusive complexes. The existence of these two forms of TCR/CD3 complexes could have important implications in the understanding of T cell receptor function and its role in T cell development.

Towards a molecular understanding of T-cell differentiation

Lymphoid differentiation is one of the best studied examples of mammalian development. Here Hans Clevers and Michael Owen describe how the cloning of the genes that encode T-cell-specific membrane proteins allows the identification of transcription factors that control the expression of these T-cell genes. Such transcription factors play a key role in the development of the mature T-cell phenotype by functioning as 'master regulators of T-cell differentiation'.

Identification and cloning of TCF-1, a T lymphocyte-specific transcription factor containing a sequence-specific HMG box

CD3-epsilon expression is controlled by a downstream T lymphocyte-specific enhancer element. We report the identification of a T cell-specific transcription factor, TCF-1, binding to this element. The multimerized recognition motif of TCF-1 constituted a T cell-specific enhancer. Subsequent cloning of TCF-1 identified three splice alternatives. TCF-1 contained a single DNA-binding HMG box most closely related to similar boxes in the putative mammalian sex-determining gene SRY and in the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mc mating type gene. TCF-1 mRNA was expressed uniquely in T lymphocytes. Upon cotransfection into non-T cells, TCF-1 could transactivate through its cognate motif. These results identify TCF-1 as a T cell-specific transcription factor, which might play a role in the establishment of the mature T cell phenotype.

CD3G is within 200 kb of the leukemic t(4;11) translocation breakpoint

The t(4;11)(q21;q23) has been associated with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) especially in infants. The t(4;11) breakpoint on chromosome 11 is cytogenetically indistinguishable from breakpoints for other leukemia-associated translocations affecting 11q23. The molecular basis of the t(4;11) is unknown although a number of genes have been mapped to 11q23. The CD3D, G, and E genes have been positioned proximal to the 11q23 breakpoint of the 4;11 translocation while the THY1 and ETS1 genes have been mapped distal to this breakpoint. We report evidence that CD3G is within 200 kb of the 4;11 breakpoint as observed by pulsed field gel analysis. A rearrangement of the CD3G gene has been observed in a cell line derived from a patient with the t(4;11) translocation and in a hybrid cell line containing the derivative 11q chromosome derived from this cell line, using the restriction enzymes SacII and ClaI. Similar rearrangements using SacII were observed in 2 further patients with ALL and the t(4;11) translocation. No rearrangements in the same DNA were observed using ETS1, THY1, and D11S29 and a range of rare cutter restriction enzymes. CD3G thus provides a tool for the cloning and analysis of the 4;11 translocation, and poses a question of its possible involvement at long range with this translocation.

Structure of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR): two CD3 epsilon subunits in a functional TCR/CD3 complex

Transgenic mice carrying and expressing the human CD3 epsilon gene incorporate the corresponding protein product into T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complexes on thymocyte and T cell surfaces. The chimeric antigen receptors allow normal T cell development and selection of repertoires in vivo and are able to transduce activation signals in vitro. We have exploited the ability to distinguish mouse (m) and human (h)CD3 epsilon chains to analyze the stoichiometry of CD3 epsilon in transgenic mouse TCRs. Immunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments demonstrate that such TCRs can contain both h- and mCD3 epsilon chains, implying that more than one CD3 epsilon subunit occurs per TCR. Antigen comodulation studies are consistent with a stochastic use of h- or mCD3 epsilon during receptor assembly, and further suggest a structure for the TCR/CD3 complex with two CD3 epsilon chains. The determination of CD3 epsilon subunit stoichiometry, together with existing biochemical data, allows the generation of a minimal model for the structure of the TCR and illustrates the potential value of the transgenic approach to the analysis of complex receptors.

Mapping chromosome band 11q23 in human acute leukemia with biotinylated probes: identification of 11q23 translocation breakpoints with a yeast artificial chromosome

Translocations involving chromosome 11, band q23, are frequent recurring abnormalities in human acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukemia. We used 19 biotin-labeled probes derived from genes and anonymous cosmids for hybridization to metaphase chromosomes from leukemia cells that contained four translocations involving band 11q23: t(4;11)(q21;q23), t(6;11)(q27;q23), t(9;11)(p22;q23), and t(11;19)(q23;p13). The location of the cosmid probes relative to the breakpoint in 11q23 was the same in all translocations. Of the cosmid clones containing known genes, CD3D was proximal and PBGD, THY1, SRPR, and ETS1 were distal to the breakpoint on 11q23. Hybridization of genomic DNA from a yeast clone containing yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), that carry 320 kilobases (kb) of human DNA including CD3D and CD3G genes, showed that the YACs were split in all four translocations. These results indicate that the breakpoint at 11q23 in each of these translocations occurs within the 320 kb encompassed by these YACs; whether the breakpoint within the YACs is precisely the same in the different translocations is presently unknown.

A physical linkage group in human chromosome band 11q23 covering a region implicated in leukocyte neoplasia

Six genes on human chromosome band 11q23 have been linked by pulse-field gel electrophoretic analysis with the order cen-CD3E-CD3D-CD3G-PBGD-CBL2-THY1-qter. The corresponding long-range restriction map covers 1.8 Mb, the telomeric half of which (PBGD-CBL2-THY1) is localized to subband 11q23.3. Four genes (CD3E, CD3D, CD3G, and PBGD) can be positioned precisely, and with known transcriptional orientation, with respect to rare-cutter restriction sites. The linkage group covers a region implicated in leukocyte malignancy: several nonrandom neoplasia-associated translocation chromosomes have breakpoints which separate the CD3 genes from PBGD, CBL2, and THY1. Thus, we are able to localize such breakpoints, and consequently any affected candidate genes, to the 750 kb between CD3G and PBGD.

Molecular cloning of sheep T cell receptor gamma and delta chain constant regions: unusual primary structure of gamma chain hinge segments

The primary structure of sheep T cell receptor (TcR) gamma and delta chain constant (C) regions has been determined by cDNA cloning. A comparison of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the sheep chains with known human and mouse sequences shows that the primary structure of the immunoglobulin, transmembrane and cytoplasmic C gamma domains and all of the C delta region has been substantially conserved. However, the hinge or connector region of sheep gamma chains differs significantly from all known TcR chains. Clones representing two different sheep C gamma genes were isolated and both contain additional sequence in this region, making them the longest TcR chains so far identified. The hinge region of both sheep C gamma sequences contains two additional cysteine residues and a motif of five amino acids (TTESP or TTEPP) which has been triplicated in one of the clones. Other repetitive segments of 13-17 amino acids could also be identified suggesting that, as in the human C gamma 2 gene, this region of the sheep genes could have arisen from an exon duplication or triplication event. Southern blot analysis of sheep DNA confirmed the presence of one C delta gene and at least two C gamma genes. A restriction fragment length polymorphism that is probably associated with allelic sequence variation in the sheep C delta gene was detected in DNA from different animals. Although the essential structure of the gamma/delta TcR appears well conserved through evolution, the marked heterogeneity evident in the hinge region of gamma chains both within and between species, and particularly the presence of additional cysteine residues in the sheep sequences, may be of structural and functional importance.

Characterization of the CD3 gamma and delta invariant subunits of the sheep T cell antigen receptor

The CD3 gamma and delta chains of the sheep T cell antigen receptor have been characterized by cDNA cloning. In comparison to human and mouse protein sequences, short oligopeptide stretches have been deleted from both the gamma and delta chains. However, apart from further variability in the number and position of potential N-linked glycosylation sites, the general structure of the CD3 gamma and delta proteins is markedly conserved. Particularly remarkable are two motifs consisting of 8 and 32 amino acids, respectively, which locate in the C-terminal half of each protein and which have been precisely conserved in both the CD3 gamma and delta chains of all three species. These motifs probably contribute structural properties essential for the function of the CD3/T cell receptor complex. mRNA of the sheep CD3 gamma (1.5 and 1.2 kb) and CD3 delta (1.5 kb) chains are transcribed from closely linked, single-copy genes, suggesting that common mechanisms for the regulation of CD3 genes are also preserved between species.

The gamma and epsilon subunits of the CD3 complex inhibit pre-Golgi degradation of newly synthesized T cell antigen receptors

The T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) is composed of six different transmembrane proteins. T cells carefully control the intracellular transport of the receptor and allow only complete receptors to reach the plasma membrane. In an attempt to understand how T cells regulate this process, we used c-DNA transfection and subunit-specific antibodies to follow the intracellular transport of five subunits (alpha beta gamma delta epsilon) of the receptor. In particular, we assessed the intracellular stability of each chain. Our results showed that the chains were markedly different in their susceptibility to intracellular degradation. TCR alpha and beta and CD3 delta were degraded rapidly, whereas CD3 gamma and epsilon were stable. An analysis of the N-linked oligosaccharides of the glycoprotein subunits suggested that the chains were unable to reach the medial Golgi during the metabolic chase. This was supported by immunofluorescence micrographs that showed both the stable CD3 gamma and unstable CD3 delta chain localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. To study the effects of subunit associations on intracellular transport we used cotransfection to reconstitute precise combinations of subunits. Associations between stable and unstable subunits expressed in the same cell led to the formation of stable complexes. These complexes were retained in or close to the endoplasmic reticulum. The results suggested that the intracellular transport of the T cell receptor could be regulated by two mechanisms. The TCR alpha and beta and CD3 delta subunits were degraded rapidly and as a consequence failed to reach the plasma membrane. CD3 gamma or epsilon were stable but were retained inside the cell. The results also demonstrated that there was an interplay between the two pathways such that the CD3 gamma and epsilon subunits were able to protect labile chains from rapid intracellular degradation. In this way, they could seed subunit assembly in or close to the endoplasmic reticulum and allow a stable receptor to form before its transport to the plasma membrane.

DNase I-defined chromatin configuration of the human CD3 gene cluster

The three CD3 genes on human chromosome 11q23 encode proteins (gamma, delta and epsilon) which form part of the antigen receptor on T lymphocytes. All three genes are clustered within 50 kb and are activated approximately contemporaneously during the early stages of T cell ontogeny. In order to pinpoint potential regulatory sequences important for locus activation and tissue-specific gene expression, the chromatin structure of almost 90 kb of this region has been probed in five cell lines using the endonuclease pancreatic DNase I. A set of DNase I hypersensitive (HS) sites has been defined in T cell chromatin, five of which were strong and not found in non-T cells, with the exception of the erythroleukaemia cell line K562, in which three sites were weakly expressed, correlating with a low level of delta mRNA. The subset of five HS sites map close to the CD3 genes and lie in regions which contain elements of defined function: the gamma promoter; the delta promoter and its 3' enhancer; and the epsilon promoter and its 3' enhancer. Since no further major T cell-restricted HS sites lie within the 90kb of the CD3 locus analysed, these five regions may contain all the sequences important for CD3 gene expression.

Gene order, amplification, and rearrangement of chromosome band 11q23 in hematologic malignancies

Eleven genes were found to be amplified in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia and a homogeneous staining region 11q23qter. The gene order of such region was determined by using transverse alternating field electrophoresis of normal cell DNA and Southern blots of DNA from somatic cell hybrids, each containing a single human derivative chromosome 11 from six different chromosomal defects. This in turn allowed us to uncover a breakpoint in band 11q23.3 between the CD3 gamma and the ets-1 genes in genomic rearrangements found in acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and B-cell diffuse lymphoma. The breakpoint of a constitutional deletion from a patient whose mother and brother have a heritable 11q23.3 fragile site occurs in the same region.